Cameron Zurhaar to debut

Cameron Zurhaar will become North Melbourne's eighth debutant this season when he runs out against Port Adelaide on Saturday.

Zurhaar, 19, who joined North in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft, was elevated to the Kangaroos' senior list last week and named as emergency for the game against Fremantle.

North coach Brad Scott announced on Thursday that the small forward would make his debut against the Power.

"He's a really powerful young forward even though he's only in his first year. We're really confident he'll acquit himself really well," Scott said.

"He's got some genuine speed and power and we're keen to see what he can do at AFL level."

Scott was not sure whether Marley Williams (back) would return from two weeks on the sidelines, saying the in-form small defender would have to pass a fitness test at training on Thursday to play against Port, with a final decision on his availability to be made on Friday.

Jarrad Waite (calf), Mason Wood (calf) and Braydon Preuss (back) were also due to complete fitness tests on Thursday.

Scott said North's selection panel was keen to give Preuss another opportunity at senior level after he continued his strong VFL form last weekend.

Williams left the track early during Thursday's session, while Waite was running at a solid pace away from the main group.

Experienced defender Sam Wright is yet to play a senior game in 2017, having struggled to overcome ankle and foot injuries.

Wright returned in the VFL late last month and played two consecutive games before being rested from Werribee's game last weekend.

Scott said Wright had not suffered a setback in his bid to return to North's senior team, with his absence last weekend due largely to a six-day break between games.

"He just had a really tight turnaround from VFL games last week. He just wasn't absolute [ready] so we left him out, but he's close," Scott said.

"We just want to be really conservative with him. He's been a long time out, so we want to make sure when he comes back in he's right to go."